BARC scientist from Kolkata ends life

A 27-year-old scientist with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) committed suicide at staff quarters on Wednesday evening.

A 27-year-old scientist with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) committed suicide at staff quarters on Wednesday evening.

The victim, Titas Pal (27), was unmarried and resided at Nilgiri building in the BARC residential quarters at Trombay.

Trombay police have estimated the time of the suicide around 4.30 pm after Pal returned home, two hours earlier than her regular schedule.

“Pal hanged herself from the iron bars of the ventilator inside her room using a dupatta,” said Dilip Sawant, deputy commissioner of police, Zone VI.

The incident came to light around 7.45 pm.

“When several calls made by the victim’s father on her mobile went unanswered, he asked one of her female friends to check on her,” said Jalinder Khandagale, assistant commissioner of police, Trombay division.

The friend rang the doorbell of the victim’s house several times but there was no response after which she called other residents and they broke open the door.

No suicide note was found.

“She used to speak to her family everyday after returning from work,” said an officer.

Pal hailed from Kolkata.

After completing her studies, she came to Mumbai in 2006.

BARC authorities said Pal joined BARC’s radio metallurgy division five years ago and on her request was moved to the radiochemistry department two weeks ago.

The victim had returned from her hometown on Wednesday morning.

“Pal had gone to Kolkata on February 26 to celebrate her birthday that was due on February 28,” added Khandagale.

According to the police, Pal’s marriage had been fixed with a doctor from Kolkata but the dates were yet to be decided.

“The victim wanted to take a transfer to Kolkata and had also applied for it,” added an officer.